William Glasser, M.D., was an American psychiatrist and father of Reality Therapy. In 1972, he published “The Identity Society” where he “draws upon the basic premises and concepts of reality therapy to point out the cultural shift from goal to role motivation that has occurred in Western society.” “This interesting societal study... presents a view that since survival is no longer the major issue for humans, development of self and identity is a normal social quest.”
While “survival is no longer the major issue” for most people living in Western society, there are many at home and abroad who are indeed in daily survival mode. In this context, if you are reading Tips and Topics, you are likely not unhoused, malnourished, fearful for your life from bombs or terrorists and are ready to ponder “development of self and identity.”
For those of us blessed to have freedom from hunger, war, unspeakable abuse, persecution and deprivation, what is “freedom”? I have come to believe that freedom is not caring what anybody else thinks. I have heard versions of this definition so I Googled it to see if there was someone I should reference as a quote.
I wasn’t expecting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spell out exactly the thoughts I planned to share with you. To my surprise (although I am increasingly not surprised by what AI can do), a crisp overview appeared that read, spoke and wrote my mind. So here is my first AI-assisted SOUL section:
“The statement ‘Freedom is not caring what anybody else thinks’ suggests that true freedom lies in being unburdened by the opinions of others, allowing you to live authentically and without fear of judgment. This idea can be understood as a form of emotional freedom or personal autonomy, where you are not dictated by external pressures.
Here's a more detailed look:
Emotional Independence:
Not caring about others' opinions can be a powerful way to achieve emotional independence. It means you're not letting external validation dictate your self-worth or actions.
Authenticity:
When you're not concerned with what others think, you can be more true to yourself and your values, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Taking Risks:
Free from the fear of judgment, you're more likely to take risks, explore new things and pursue your passions.
Self-Acceptance:
Embracing your true self without external validation is a key aspect of freedom, as you're no longer striving to be someone you're not to please others.
Potential Pitfalls:
While not caring about others' opinions can be liberating, it's also important to consider the potential consequences. Ignoring others' opinions entirely could lead to isolation or even harm to yourself or others.
Healthy Balance:
The key is to find a balance. You don't have to completely disregard others' opinions, but you should prioritize your own values and well-being.”
This is the starting point for my Free Me Life. What’s yours?
Read the entire May blog on David Mee-Lee's Tips n Topics here →
Authored by Dr. David Mee-Lee, “Tips & Topics” is a monthly blog covering three sections: Savvy, Skills and Soul, with additional sections varying from month to month. Topics include Stump the Shrink, Success Stories and Shameless Selling.